What we're doing to protect you
Protecting your account
Keeping your money safe is one of our most important objectives. Here are some of the ways we help protect you and your account information online.
How we protect you when you use Online Banking
Online Banking Guarantee
If you're an Online Banking customer, you're automatically protected by our Online Banking Guarantee. This means that, if you fall victim to Internet fraud on your Barclays bank account, we'll cover your loss – no matter how much money is taken from your account – as long as you've used Online Banking correctly.
PINsentry
PINsentry gives you even more protection when you bank online with us.
It works by asking you to insert your Barclays debit card into a card reader. Once you've entered your PIN, the card reader generates a unique security code that you'll need to type into Online Banking to:
- Log in
- Make a payment to someone new for the first time
- Set up a new standing order
PINsentry is quick and easy to use and adds yet another level of security to Online Banking.
Free security software
If you use Online Banking, you can receive the award-winning Kaspersky Internet Security suite (RRP £49.99) free and install it on up to three computers in your home. Please note that Kaspersky products are only compatible with Windows® PCs.
To claim your free software:
- Log in to Online Banking
- Select the Kaspersky Offer link at the bottom of the right-hand menu on your At a Glance page
- Follow the link to the Kaspersky site
Check out our free security software offer page for more information.
Not registered for Online Banking? You can get basic access in just a few minutes.
Our system security
Data encryption
Our Online Banking service is hosted on a secure, 128-bit encrypted server. This means that any information you send us is encoded for your protection.
Timed log out
Online Banking logs you out if you don't use the service for 10 minutes. This gives you added protection if you forget to log yourself out.
Deactivation of your login details
We'll automatically disable your access to Online Banking if three incorrect attempts are made to log in using your details. This is to stop fraudsters making repeated attempts to get into your accounts.
How we protect you when you shop online
Verified by Visa
Verified by Visa, which we provide in association with Visa, protects your cards against unauthorised use when you shop online at participating retailers.
When you buy something in a shop using a Barclays Visa Debit Card or Barclaycard, you validate the transaction by entering your PIN or signing a receipt. Verified by Visa mimics this process online by providing a digital receipt that you authorise using a password.
Register for Verified by Visa
How we protect you when you're abroad
If you're planning to travel, it's best to let us know in advance. This helps avoid problems with using your cards and accounts overseas, as well as helping to protect you from fraud while you're away. If you're registered for Online Banking, you can tell us when and where you plan to go by using the Debit Card Abroad form in the right-hand menu of your At a Glance page.
Not registered for Online Banking? You can get basic access in just a few minutes.
Customer views
In our recent monthly surveys in 2010 our Online Banking customers have said:
'The PINsentry is great – an excellent security measure. I also like that I can see all my accounts 'at a glance'. I'm not sure you can do more to improve it – well done!'
'Perfect online system especially with the security of PINsentry. Excellent.'
'An excellent service with the best security standards. I'd be lost without it!'
What should I do if I've fallen victim to fraud on my Barclays accounts?
Contact us immediately if you think you are or may be a victim of fraud on your Barclays cards or accounts. The number you should call varies according to the type of fraud involved.
If you've received a suspicious email that claims to be from us, please forward it to internetsecurity@barclays.co.uk and then delete the email immediately.